Barrel mounting system

ABSTRACT

A barrel mounting system to mount a barrel to a barrel mount of a firearm body includes a mount receiver secured to the barrel mount. The mount receiver includes axial channels and receiver threads disposed on an interior surface. The system further includes a barrel sleeve disposed around the barrel proximal to the proximal end of the barrel. The barrel sleeve includes sleeve threads disposed near a proximal end on an exterior surface and sized to slide through the axial channels and, when rotated, to engage the receiver threads. The system further includes a barrel collar disposed around the barrel and secured to the barrel and to limit the axial position of the barrel sleeve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/611,961, filed Dec. 29, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to systems for mounting barrels tofirearms and like devices.

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, there have been many armed conflicts in variousregions of the world. Such armed conflicts span from cityscapes to openranges, from heavily wooded areas to sparse unvegetated landscapes. Eachof these areas, regions, or landscapes, present unique challenges tosoldiers. In particular, weapons are often modified to suit theenvironment in which the conflict is to take place. For example, afirearm may be equipped with different accessories depending upon theexpected environment. In another example, aspects of the firearm may bemodified, such as the barrel length or a stock type, to suit theconditions under which the conflict is to take place.

Further, during a conflict or during training, a weapon may becomedamaged. For example, a barrel may overheat and warp. In anotherexample, the barrel can be struck, causing a bend or curve. Damage to abarrel represents particular problems in that both the accuracy of thefirearm is compromised and significant damage to the barrel may causethe weapon to misfire or explode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerousfeatures and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side-view of a portion of a firearm including abarrel mounting system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom-view of a portion of a firearm including abarrel mounting system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective-view of a portion of a firearmincluding a barrel mounting system.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 include illustrations of a mount receiver ofthe barrel mounting system of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 include illustrations of a barrel sleeve ofthe barrel mounting system of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 include illustrations of a barrel collar of thebarrel mounting system of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 12 includes an illustration of a portion of a firearm including abarrel mounting system.

FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 include an illustration of a mounting nutfor use in the barrel mounting system illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 include illustrations ofa mount receiver for use in the barrel mounting system illustrated inFIG. 12.

FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 23, and FIG. 24 include illustrations of a barrelsleeve for use by the barrel mounting system of FIG. 12.

FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27 include an illustration of a barrel sleeveinsert for use in the barrel mounting system illustrated in 12.

FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30 include illustrations of a barrel collarfor use in the barrel mounting system illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for mountinga barrel on a firearm.

FIG. 32 includes an illustration of an example barrel sleeve for usingin the barrel mounting system of FIG. 12.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-32 illustrate embodiments of a barrel mounting system to mount abarrel to a body of a firearm. Embodiments of the barrel mounting systemallow a user to easily and quickly install or uninstall a barrel withlimited expertise. As such, a firearm can be easily disassembled fortravel or to exchange a barrel for a longer barrel or a shorter barrelto adapt the firearm for use in diverse environments. In someembodiments, a barrel mounting system includes a mount receiver, abarrel sleeve having threads configured to engage threads of the mountreceiver, and a barrel collar to be secured to a barrel. The mountingsystem can further include a mounting nut or clamp to secure the mountreceiver to a body of a firearm or can include a sleeve insert to adjusta relative position of the barrel and the barrel sleeve. The mountreceiver, barrel sleeve, and optionally the barrel collar can includeslots or grooves positioned to receive a gas tube, piston, or rod.

A barrel mounting kit can include a mount receiver, a barrel sleeve, andbarrel collar. In addition, the kit can include a mounting nut or clampto secure the mount receiver to a body of a firearm. The kit can alsoinclude a sleeve insert to adjust a relative position of the barrelsleeve and a barrel. The mount receiver, barrel sleeve, and barrelcollar can include slots or through holes to pass through a gas tube,piston, or rod. The barrel sleeve or the barrel collar can include pinsor detents and the other of the barrel sleeve or barrel collar caninclude grooves, slots or guides to engage the pins or detents. Aninterior surface of the mount receiver can include a set of threadsinterrupted by axial channels. The threads and axial channels of themount receiver are complementary to threads and axial channels disposedon an external surface of the barrel sleeve. The threads and axialchannels of the mount receiver and the barrel sleeve can be configuredto restrict the orientation that the barrel sleeve can engage the mountreceived relative to the firearm body or to align the barrel with thefirearm body.

In use, a mount receiver is secured to a firearm body using a mountingnut or clamp Optionally, a barrel sleeve insert is supplied to a barrelsleeve and adjusted to position a barrel relative to the barrel sleeve.The barrel is inserted through the barrel sleeve. A barrel collar isapplied to the barrel to lock the axially position the barrel sleeve onthe barrel and restrict travel of the barrel sleeve axially. The barrelsleeve threads are inserted along axial channels of the mount receiver,and consequently the barrel is applied to a mount of the firearm body.The barrel sleeve can be rotated so that the threads of the barrelsleeve engage the threads of the mount receiver securing the barrel tothe firearm body. In particular, the barrel sleeve is free to rotatearound the barrel within a limited angular range while the barrel collarsecures the axial position of the barrel sleeve. As such, a barrel canbe mounted to and unmounted from the firearm body with the simple twistof the barrel sleeve.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a firearmbody 100 includes an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104. Theupper portion 102 forms a barrel mount 307 to which a barrel 106 can beattached using a barrel mount system incorporating a mount receiver 108,a barrel sleeve 110 and a barrel collar 112. The barrel mount 307 isformed as part of the upper portion 102 and can be configured withthreads or with other features, such as flanges, to which a mounting nutor clamp can be attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrelmount 307 is threaded and a mount receiver 108 can be secured to theupper portion 102 using a mounting nut 314 screwed onto the barrel mount307.

While the firearm body 100 is illustrated as including the upper portion102, which attaches to a barrel 106 and includes mechanisms for ejectinga casing from a firing chamber, and as including a lower portion 104,which includes mechanisms to manage bullet loading and engage a trigger,the firearm body 100 can have various configurations, including unibodyand other configurations. The upper portion 102 and the lower portion104 can perform different functions than those illustrated.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a mount receiver108 for use in the mounting system illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, andFIG. 3. The mount receiver 108 can be secured to a barrel mount 307 ofthe upper portion 102 by a mounting nut or clamp 314. For example, thebarrel mount 307 on the upper portion 102 of the firearm body 100 can beinserted through a hole 415 defined through the mount receiver 108. Amounting nut or clamp 314 can be secured to the barrel mount 307 of thefirearm body and engage a lip or edge 624 of the mount receiver 108 tosecure the mount receiver 108 to the firearm body 100.

Optionally, the mount receiver 108 can include a feature 418 to secureaccessories for the firearm. For example, the feature 418 can conform tothe design of the Picatinny rail or other rail system. In someembodiments, the mount receiver 108 includes a protrusion 416 that mayhave a central bore extending through the mount receiver 108. Such aprotrusion 416 can act as a guide to position the mount receiver 108relative to a body of a firearm. In some embodiments, a gas tube canextend through the mount receiver 108 and through the protrusion 416 andassociated through hole.

The mount receiver 108 can engage a barrel sleeve 110 to securely fix abarrel 106 to the barrel mount 307. In an example, the mount receiver108 engages the barrel sleeve 110 with a threaded connection. Forexample, the mount receiver 108 can include axial channels 620 andthreads 622. Axial means substantially parallel to an axis of thebarrel. Complementary sets of threads on the barrel sleeve 110 can beinserted along the axial channels 620 of the mount receiver 108. Thebarrel sleeve 110 can be twisted so that threads of the barrel sleeve110 engaged the threads 622 of the mount receiver 108. In someembodiments, the threading on the mount receiver 108 is interiorthreading facing inwardly towards a central axis of the barrel 106. Inanother example, the threading can be external threading facing awayfrom the central axis.

Each set of threads 622 can include between 2 and 12 threads, such asbetween 3 and 4 threads. The axial channels 620 between sets of threads622 can be offset from one another by different angles. For example, themount receiver 108 can have between 2 and 15 channels, such as between 4and 6 channels. When moving circumferentially, a first channel can beoffset from a second channel by an angle different from the offsetbetween the second channel and a third channel. In a particular example,the mount receiver 108 has four channels. When viewing the distal faceof the mount receiver 108 illustrated in FIG. 6, a top channel is offsetfrom a bottom channel by an amount different than the offset between twotop channels or an amount different than the offset between two bottomchannels. Further, one side (left or right) can mirror the other side.In an additional example, the top channels can have a different sizethan the bottom channels. Such features can limit the number oforientations that the barrel sleeve 110 can fit the mount receiver 108.The configuration of the channels and the threads of the mount receiver108 can limit the rotation of the barrel sleeve 110.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 illustrate an embodiment of a barrel sleeve110 for use in the barrel mounting system illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2,and FIG. 3. FIG. 7 illustrates a proximal end of the barrel sleeve 110nearest the body 100. FIG. 9 illustrates the distal facing end of thebarrel sleeve 110 facing the distal end of the barrel 106. The barrelsleeve 110 includes a central bore 727 through which a barrel canextend. In some embodiments, the barrel sleeve 110 includes threads 726separated by axial channels 835 configured to engage the mount receiver108. In the illustrated example, the threads 726 are on an externaloutward facing surface of a cylinder portion 730 of the barrel sleeve110. The sets of threads 726 are configured to engage or slide throughthe axial channels 620 of the mount receiver 108 and engage threads 622of the mount receiver 108 upon of twisting the barrel sleeve 110 aroundthe axis of the barrel 106.

In a particular example, the different sets of threads 726 can beconfigured, such as having different lengths, so that they fit with themount receiver 108 in one specific orientation. For example, some setsof threads may be longer or shorter than other sets of threads so thatthe barrel sleeve 110 fits with the axial channels of the mount receiver108 in a single orientation. For example, a longer set of bottom threadscan be configured to fit the bottom axial channels of the mount receiver108 and may not fit the top axial channels of the mount receiver 108.The sets of threads 726 can have between 2 and 12 threads, such asbetween 2 and 6 threads, for example, between 3 and 4 threads. Further,the angles between sets of threads can match those angles between theaxial channels of the mount receiver 108.

The mount receiver 108 can include a physical stop to prevent overrotation of the barrel sleeve 110 when inserted and twisted in the mountreceiver 108. Alternatively or in addition, the barrel sleeve 110 caninclude a physical stop that limits rotation of the barrel sleeve 110when inserted into the mount receiver 108.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the barrel sleeve 110 can further include anexterior threading 834. Such threading 834 can be used to apply a handguard or rail mounting system around the barrel.

The barrel sleeve 110 can further include a ledge or surface 732 toengage a flange or widening of the barrel 106. Optionally, the barrelsleeve 110 can include internal threading 728 to engage a sleeve insert.The axial position can be adjusted to provide different compressionforce when the barrel and barrel sleeve are mounted to the firearm.

The barrel sleeve 110 can include a distal facing surface 938 that facestoward a distal end of the barrel 106 and engages the surface of thebarrel collar 112. The barrel sleeve 110 at the distal end can furtherinclude one or more pins or detents 836 to engage slots or guides formedinto a barrel collar 112.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate of an embodiment of a barrel collar 112.The barrel collar 112 includes a central hole 1041 to engage the barrel106 of the firearm. On the proximal facing surface directed toward thefirearm body 100, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the barrel collar 112 caninclude slots or guides 1040 to engage the pins or detents 836 of thedistal facing surface 938 of the barrel sleeve 110. Alternatively, thebarrel collar 112 can include the pins or detents, and the barrel sleevecan include slots or guides. Optionally, the slot or guide is deeper onthe ends and shallower in the middle to signal when the detent isengaged with the ends of the slot. As such, a user can feel when therotation has reached a limit and the barrel sleeve 110 can lock in placewhen the pin or detent hits the extremes of the slot or guide. Inparticular, the engagement of the pins or detents with the slots orguides holds the barrel sleeve in position indexed to the barrel, suchas indexed to an indexing pin of the barrel.

The barrel collar 112 is secured to a barrel 106, for example, using aset screw applied through a set screw hole 1144. While a single setscrew hole is depicted, more than one set screw holes can be formed inthe barrel collar 112. In an alternative example, the barrel collar canbe crimped or pressure fit to the barrel 106. For example, a region 1042can permit crimping or travel of the barrel collar 112 in a radialdirection.

Returning to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the mountreceiver 108 is secured to the barrel mount 307 using a mounting nut314. The barrel sleeve 110 is mounted on the barrel. Axial travel of thebarrel sleeve on an end of the barrel proximal to the firearm body islimited by a flange or size change in the barrel 106. Axial travel ofthe barrel sleeve 110 is limited in the distal direction of the barrel116 by a barrel collar 112 secured to the barrel 106 using set screws.The barrel sleeve 110 maintains the ability to rotate, while the barrelmounting receiver 108 has a fixed position relative to the firearm body100 and the barrel collar 112 has a fixed position relative to thebarrel 106. As such, the barrel sleeve 110 can be inserted into andengage the mount receiver 108 with a simple twist of the barrel sleeve110 around the axis of the barrel 106. The barrel 106 can then beseparated from the firearm body 100 with a twist of the barrel sleeve110.

FIG. 12 includes an illustration of an embodiment of a mounting systemfor mounting a barrel 1208 to a firearm body 1200. The firearm body 1200can include an upper portion 1202 and a lower portion 1204. Asillustrated, the barrel mount 1206 is formed into the upper portion 1202of the firearm body 1200. The mount receiver 1210 can be applied overthe barrel mount 1206 and can be secured to the body 1200 by applying amounting nut 1212 to the barrel mount 1206. A barrel 1208 can be appliedthrough a barrel sleeve 1214, which on one end proximal to the firearmbody 1200 engages a flange or a change in diameter 1220 of the barrel1208 and on opposite side distal from the firearm body 1200 engages abarrel collar 1218 that can be secured to the barrel 1208. Optionally,the mounting system includes a sleeve insert 1216, which provides thebarrel sleeve 1214 with an adjustable surface to engage the change indiameter or flange 1220 of the barrel 1208.

FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 include illustrations of an exemplarymounting nut 1212. The mounting nut 1212 includes internal threads 1322to engage the barrel mount 1206 of the firearm body 1200. The mountingnut 1212 further can include a beveled or contoured edge 1326 to engagean edge of the mount receiver 1210. In an example, the beveled orcontoured edge 1326 can center the mount receiver 1210 to be concentricwith the barrel mount 1206. Optionally, an end of the mounting nut 1212disposed or facing away from the barrel mount 1206 or body 1200 of thefirearm can be keyed using grooves or peaks and valleys 1324 to permit atool to be used to secure the mounting nut 1212 to the barrel mount1206.

A mount receiver 1210 is illustrated in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG.19, and FIG. 20. The mount receiver 1210 includes axial channels 1738and threads 1740 to complementarily engage threaded features of thebarrel sleeve 1214. In an embodiment, the channels 1738 and optionallythe threads 1740 can be figured to engage the threads of the barrelsleeve 1214 in a specific orientation.

Each set of threads 1740 can include between 2 and 12 threads, such asbetween 2 and 5 threads, for example, between 3 and 4 threads. The axialchannels 1738 between sets of threads 1740 can be offset from oneanother by different angles. For example, the mount receiver 1210 canhave between 2 and 15 channels, such as between 4 and 6 channels. Whenmoving circumferentially, a first channel can be offset from a secondchannel by an angle different from the offset between the second channeland a third channel. In a particular example, the mount receiver 1210has four channels. When viewing the distal face of the mount receiver1210 illustrated in FIG. 18, a top channel is offset from a bottomchannel by an amount different than the offset between two top channelsor an amount different than the offset between two bottom channels.Further, one side (left or right when viewed as in FIG. 18) can mirrorthe other side. In an additional example, the top channels can have adifferent size than the bottom channels. Such features can limit thenumber of orientations that the barrel sleeve 1214 can fit the mountreceiver 1210.

The receiver 1210 can further include an edge 1742 to engage themounting nut 1212 to secure the mount receiver 1210 to the body 1200 ofthe firearm.

The mount receiver 1210 can further include a feature 1734 configured tosecure accessories to a firearm. For example, the feature 1734 canconform to a Picatinny rail configuration. Further, the mount receiver1210 can include guides 1628 to assist in positioning the mount receiver1210 in a specific orientation. In an example, the guides 1628 align tosides of a rail system, such as a Picatinny rail system.

The mount receiver 1210 can also include a through hole 1736 to receiveor allow pass-through of a gas tube, rod, or piston. The mount receiver1210 can include a physical stop or barrier to prevent over rotation ofthe barrel sleeve 1214 within the mount receiver 1210. Alternatively,the physical stop or barrier can be on the barrel sleeve 1214.

Further, the mount receiver 1210 can include indentations and slots 1630and 1632. In the example, the indentations or slots 1630 or 1632 canengage complementary features of the barrel sleeve 1214. Suchcomplementary features can limit counter rotation and detachment of thebarrel sleeve 1214 form the mount receiver 1210.

FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 32 illustrate a barrelsleeve 1214. The barrel sleeve 1214 includes a cylinder portion 2146 onwhich are formed threads 2144 and axial channel 2359 facing exterior andaway from the central axis of a barrel. The threads 2144 can be insertedinto the axial channels 1738 of the mount receiver 1210 and can be sizedto twist in place so that the threads 2144 of the barrel sleeve 1214engage the threads 1740 of the mount receiver 1210. Each set of threads2144 can include between 2 and 12 threads, such as between 2 and 6threads, for example, between 3 and 4 threads. The angular displacementbetween sets of threads can match those of the axial channels of themount receiver 1210. Further, the sets of threads can be patterned inlength, angular displacement, and position to match the axial channelsand threads of the mount receiver 1210.

In particular, engaging the mount receiver 1210 and the barrel sleeve1214 can engage using limited rotation, for example, limited by aphysical barrier. For example, the rotation can be limited to between 5°and 45°, such as between 5° and 30° or between 5° and 20°. In anexample, the barrel sleeve 1214 can include a physical stop 2357 asillustrated in FIG. 23 and FIG. 32. The physical stop or barrier 2357can hit the threads of the mount receiver 1210 to limit the rotation ofthe barrel sleeve as it engages the mount receiver 1210 or can hit thethreads of the mount receiver 1210 as the barrel sleeve is rotated todisengage the barrel sleeve 1214 from the mount receiver 1210,preventing the threads of the barrel sleeve 1214 from re-engaging thethreads of the mount receiver 1210 as a result of over rotation.

The barrel sleeve 1214 can include exterior threads 2142 to engage ahandguard or rail mounting system. In an example, a handguard caninclude interior threads that engage the exterior threads 2142 of thebarrel sleeve 1214.

The barrel sleeve 1214 can further include a slot 2156 to permit a gastube, rod, or piston to pass through the barrel sleeve 1214. A gap 2161in the cylinder 2146 can further allow the gas tube, rod, or piston topass through the barrel sleeve 1214. In particular, the slot 2156 andoptional gap 2161 allows the gas tube, rod, or piston to slide aroundthe circumference of the barrel sleeve 1214 as the barrel sleeve 1214 istwisted and secured in the mount receiver 1210 or is unmounted from themount receiver 1210.

Further, the barrel sleeve 1214 can include a locking mechanism 2154that engages the slots and indentations 1630 or 1632 of the mountreceiver 1210. In the embodiment illustrated, a lever is used to engageand disengage the features 1630 and 1632 of the mount receiver 1210. Thelocking mechanism 2154 when engaged with the features 1630 or 1632 ofthe mount receiver 1210 can further limit rotation of the barrel sleeve1214 around the axis of the barrel 1208 and prevent the barrel sleeve1214 from disconnecting.

Optionally, the barrel sleeve 1214 includes a ridge 2148 to engage aflange or diameter change of the barrel 1208. Alternatively, the barrelsleeve 1214 includes internal threads 2150 to receive a sleeve insert12216 that can be used to adjust the relative position of the barrelsleeve 1214 and the barrel 1208. The sleeve insert 1216 can be securedin position using set screws 2152. The sleeve insert 1216 can beadjusted to set the compression force asserted on the barrel whenengaging the firearm.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27, the sleeve insert 1216can include outwardly facing threads 2560 to engage the inwardly facingthreads 2150 of the barrel sleeve 1214. Further, the sleeve insert 1216can include a surface 2564 to engage a flange or size change of thebarrel 1208. Optionally, the sleeve insert 1216 can include keyed peaksand valleys 2562 to allow a key to be used to rotate the sleeve insert1216 within the barrel sleeve 1214.

Returning to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the barrel sleeve 1214 can furtherinclude pins or detents 2358 disposed on a distal facing side of thebarrel sleeve 1214 and to engage slots or grooves of the barrel collar1218. FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30 illustrate a barrel collar 1218. Thebarrel collar 1218 can be inserted over a barrel and can be used to fixthe position of the distal end the barrel sleeve 1214. The barrel 1208is inserted through a central bore of the barrel collar 1218, and thebarrel collar 1218 is secured to the barrel 1208 using one or more setscrews 2868. In addition, the barrel collar 1218 includes grooves orslots 2866 to engage the pins or detents 2358 of the barrel sleeve 1214.Optionally, the barrel collar 1218 can include a cutout or slot 2869that permits a gas tube, rod, or piston to pass over barrel collar 1218.The barrel collar 1218 when engaging the barrel sleeve 1214 limitsrotation of the barrel sleeve 1214 so the barrel sleeve 1214 remainsindexed to the barrel, allowing rapid connection and separation of thebarrel from the firearm.

In practice, a method 3100 for mounting a barrel to a firearm body,illustrated in FIG. 31, includes coupling a mount receiver to the barrelmount, for example, using a mounting nut, as illustrated at block 3102.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the mount receiver 1210 issecured to the barrel mount 1206 and upper portion 1202 of the firearmbody 1200 using a mounting nut 1212. Alternatively, the mount receiver1210 can be secured to the barrel mount 1206 using a clamp device.

As illustrated at block 3104, optionally, a sleeve insert can beinserted and adjusted within a barrel sleeve. For example, the sleeveinsert 1216 can be adjusted so that the barrel 1208 is positioned toproperly engage the barrel mount 1206 when the barrel sleeve 1214 isinserted into the mount receiver 1210. Adjusting the sleeve insert caninclude using a keyed cylindrical wrench to rotate the sleeve insert1216 in the barrel sleeve 1214 until the desired position is achieved.The relative position can adjust the compression force exhibited on thebarrel when the mounting system is engaged.

The barrel is inserted through the barrel sleeve and optional sleeveinsert, as illustrated at block 3106. For example, the barrel 1208 mayhave a flange or diameter change that engages a surface of the sleeveinsert 1216, positioning the barrel sleeve 1214 relative to an end ofthe barrel 1208 so that when the barrel sleeve 1214 engages the mountreceiver 1210, the barrel 1208 is appropriately positioned and fixedsecurely to the barrel mount 1206.

As illustrated at block 3108, a barrel collar 1218 can be secured to thebarrel 1208, for example, using set screws and positioned against thebarrel sleeve 1214. For example, pins or detents 2358 of the barrelsleeve 1214 can engage slots or grooves of the barrel collar 1218,limiting the axial position of the barrel sleeve 1214 relative to thebarrel 1208, while allowing the barrel sleeve 1214 to rotate within alimited range around the barrel 1208. The barrel collar 1218 is securedto the barrel 1208 to engage the barrel sleeve 1214 in a positionindexed to barrel 1208. When the pins or detents 2358 of the barrelsleeve 1214 are engaged with the slots or guides of the barrel collar1218 and the barrel collar 1218 is positioned appropriately, the barrelsleeve 1214 remains indexed to the barrel 1208.

As illustrated at block 3110, the barrel sleeve 1214, carrying with itthe barrel 1208, can be inserted into the mount receiver 1210 androtated to secure the barrel sleeve 1214 to the mount receiver 1210. Thebarrel 1208 is securely fixed within an interior of the barrel mount1206 and to the firearm body 1200. Optionally, a locking mechanism 2154engages indentations or slots 1630 or 1632 of the mount receiver 1210 toprevent rotation of the barrel sleeve 1214.

Removing the barrel involves rotating the barrel sleeve to align thethreads of the barrel sleeve with the axial channels of the mountreceiver, allowing the sleeve to be separated from the mount receiveralong an axial direction of the barrel 1208. When an optional lockingmechanism is used, the lock can be unseated or otherwise disengagedprior to rotating the barrel sleeve relative to the mount receiver. Assuch, interchange of barrels, using such barrel mounting systems isrelatively quick and uncomplicated.

In a first aspect, a barrel mounting system to mount a barrel to abarrel mount of a firearm body includes a mount receiver secured to thebarrel mount, the mount receiver including axial channels and receiverthreads disposed on an interior facing surface; a barrel sleeve disposedaround the barrel proximal to the proximal end of the barrel, the barrelsleeve including sets of sleeve threads disposed near a proximal end onan exterior facing surface and sized to slide through the axial channelsand, when rotated, to engage the receiver threads; and a barrel collardisposed around the barrel and secured to the barrel and to limit theaxial position of the barrel sleeve.

In an example of the first aspect, the barrel mounting system furtherincludes a mounting nut, the mounting nut securing the mount receiver tothe barrel mount.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel mounting system further includes a sleeve insert, the barrelsleeve including internal threads to engage the sleeve insert. Forexample, the sleeve insert is to engage a flange or diameter change ofthe barrel, an axial position of the sleeve insert adjustable to adjusta relative axial position of the barrel sleeve and the barrel. Inanother example, the barrel sleeve further includes a set screw tosecure the sleeve insert in the barrel sleeve.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve includes pins or detents extending from a distal surfacefacing a distal end of the barrel. For example, the barrel collarincludes slots or grooves to engage the pins or detents of the barrelsleeve.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes a slot to permit a gas tube, rod, orpiston to pass through the barrel sleeve. For example, the slot allowsthe barrel sleeve to rotate while the gas tube remains in a fixedposition. In another example, the mount receiver includes a hole topermit the gas tube to pass through the mount receiver. In a furtherexample, the barrel collar includes a groove to permit a gas tube topass over the barrel collar.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further comprises exterior facing threads disposed at adistal end of the barrel sleeve. For example, the exterior facingthreads of the barrel sleeve are to engage a handguard.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel mounting system further includes the mount receiver includes arail feature.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, themount receiver includes an alignment feature to align the mount receivewith the firearm body.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the mountreceiver includes a physical stop to limit rotation of the barrelsleeve.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes a locking mechanism to engage a lockingfeature of the mount receiver to limit counter rotation of the barrelsleeve. For example, the barrel collar further includes a set screw tosecure the barrel collar to the barrel.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, thebarrel mounting system further includes the sets of sleeve threadsinclude 2 to 12 threads.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, axialchannels to receive adjacent sets of sleeve threads are offset bydifferent angles.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples,adjacent sets of sleeve threads have different thread lengths.

In a second aspect, a firearm includes a firearm body defining a barrelmount; a barrel having a proximal end to engage the barrel mount and adistal end; a mount receiver secured to the barrel mount by a mountingnut, the mount receiver including axial channels and receiver threadsdisposed on an interior surface; a barrel sleeve disposed around thebarrel proximal to the proximal end of the barrel, the barrel sleeveincluding sets of sleeve threads disposed near a proximal end on anexterior surface and sized to slide through the axial channels and, whenrotated, to engage the receiver threads, the barrel sleeve includingpins or detents extending from an axial surface facing a distal end ofthe barrel; and a barrel collar disposed around the barrel and securedto the barrel, the barrel collar including slots or grooves to engagethe pins or detents of the barrel sleeve.

In an example of the second aspect, the barrel sleeve including internalthreads to engage a sleeve insert. For example, the firearm furtherincludes the sleeve insert disposed within the barrel sleeve and aroundthe barrel, the sleeve insert to engage a flange or diameter change ofthe barrel. In another example, an axial position of the sleeve insertis adjustable to adjust a relative axial position of the barrel sleeveand the barrel. In a further example, the barrel sleeve further includesa set screw to secure the sleeve insert in the barrel sleeve.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes a slot to permit a gas tube, rod, orpiston to pass through the barrel sleeve. For example, the slot allowsthe barrel sleeve to rotate while the gas tube, rod, or piston remainsin a fixed position. In another example, the mount receiver includes ahole to permit the gas tube, rod, or piston to pass through the mountreceiver. In an additional example, the barrel collar includes a grooveto permit the gas tube, rod, or piston to pass over the barrel collar.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further comprises exterior facing threads disposed at adistal end of the barrel sleeve. For example, the exterior facingthreads of the barrel sleeve are to engage a handguard.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples,the mount receiver includes a rail feature.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, themount receiver includes an alignment feature to align the mount receivewith the firearm body.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve includes a physical stop to limit rotation of the barrelsleeve.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples,the barrel sleeve further includes a locking mechanism to engage afeature of the mount receiver to limit counter rotation of the barrelsleeve.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, thebarrel collar further includes a set screw to secure the barrel collarto the barrel.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, thesets of sleeve threads include 2 to 12 threads.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples,adjacent sets of sleeve threads are offset by different angles.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, adjacentsets of sleeve threads are offset by different thread lengths.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve includes 4 sets of sleeve threads.

In a third aspect, a barrel mounting kit includes a mount receiver to besecured to a barrel mount of a firearm body, the mount receiverincluding axial channels and receiver threads disposed on an interiorsurface; a barrel sleeve to be disposed around a barrel proximal to aproximal end of the barrel, the barrel sleeve including sleeve threadsdisposed near a proximal end on an exterior surface and sized to slidethrough the axial channels of the mount receiver and, when rotated, toengage the receiver threads of the mount receiver; and a barrel collarto be disposed around the barrel and secured to the barrel and to limitthe axial position of the barrel sleeve.

In an example of the third aspect, the barrel mounting kit furtherincluding a mounting nut, the mounting nut securing the mount receiverto the barrel mount.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, thebarrel mounting kit further includes a sleeve insert, the barrel sleeveincluding internal threads to engage the sleeve insert. For example, thesleeve insert is to engage a flange or diameter change of the barrel, anaxial position of the sleeve insert adjustable to adjust a relativeaxial position of the barrel sleeve and the barrel. In another example,the barrel sleeve further includes a set screw to secure the sleeveinsert in the barrel sleeve.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve includes pins or detents extending from an axial surfacefacing a distal end of the barrel. For example, the barrel collarincludes slots or groove to engage the pins or detents of the barrelsleeve.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes a slot to permit a gas tube to passthrough the barrel sleeve. For example, the slot allows the barrelsleeve to rotate while the gas tube remains in a fixed position. In anexample, the mount receiver includes a hole to permit the gas tube topass through the mount receiver. In another example, the barrel collarincludes a groove to permit a gas tube to pass over the barrel collar.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further comprises exterior facing threads disposed at adistal end of the barrel sleeve. For example, the exterior facingthreads of the barrel sleeve are to engage a handguard.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, themount receiver includes a rail feature.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the mountreceiver includes an alignment feature to align the mount receive withthe firearm body.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, themount receiver includes a physical stop to limit rotation of the barrelsleeve.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes a locking mechanism to engage a lockingfeature of the mount receiver to limit counter rotation of the barrelsleeve. For example, the barrel collar further includes a set screw tosecure the barrel collar to the barrel.

In a fourth aspect, a method of mounting a barrel to a barrel mount of afirearm body includes inserting sleeve threads of a barrel sleevethrough axial channels of a mount receiver, the barrel sleeve disposedaround a barrel and engaging a flange or diameter change of the barrel,a barrel collar secured to the barrel and limiting an axial position ofthe barrel sleeve relative to the barrel; and rotating the barrel sleevearound an axis of the barrel, the sleeve threads of the barrel sleeveengaging receiver threads of the mount receiver, the barrel fixed to thebarrel mount.

In an example of the fourth aspect, the method further includes securingthe mount receiver to the barrel mount using a mounting nut.

In another example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes securing the barrel collar to the barrel using aset screw.

In a further example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes inserting a sleeve insert into the barrelsleeve; and adjusting a position of the sleeve insert within the barrelsleeve.

In an additional example of the fourth aspect and the above examples,the method further includes applying a gas tube through a slot of thebarrel sleeve and a hole of the mount receiver.

In a fifth aspect, a barrel sleeve includes a cylindrical portiondefining an axial hole to receive a barrel; sets of threads disposed onan exterior of the cylindrical portion at a first axial end, the sets ofthreads distributed around the circumference of the cylindrical portion;and pins or detents disposed on a face at a second axal end.

In another example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes interior threads disposed interior to thecylindrical portion proximal to the second axial.

In a further example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, thebarrel sleeve further includes exterior threads disposed on an exteriorsurface of the cylindrical portion proximal to the second axial end.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

What is claimed is:
 1. A barrel mounting system to mount a barrel to abarrel mount of a firearm body, the barrel mounting system comprising: amount receiver secured to the barrel mount, the mount receiver includingaxial channels and receiver threads disposed on an interior facingsurface; a barrel sleeve disposed around the barrel proximal to theproximal end of the barrel, the barrel sleeve including sets of sleevethreads disposed near a proximal end on an exterior facing surface andsized to slide through the axial channels and, when rotated, to engagethe receiver threads; and a barrel collar disposed around the barrel andsecured to the barrel and to limit the axial position of the barrelsleeve.
 2. The barrel mounting system of claim 1, further comprising amounting nut, the mounting nut securing the mount receiver to the barrelmount.
 3. The barrel mounting system of claim 1, further comprising asleeve insert, the barrel sleeve including internal threads to engagethe sleeve insert.
 4. The barrel mounting system of claim 3, wherein thesleeve insert is to engage a flange or diameter change of the barrel, anaxial position of the sleeve insert adjustable to adjust a relativeaxial position of the barrel sleeve and the barrel.
 5. The barrelmounting system of claim 3, wherein the barrel sleeve further includes aset screw to secure the sleeve insert in the barrel sleeve.
 6. Thebarrel mounting system of claim 1, wherein the barrel sleeve includespins or detents extending from a distal surface facing a distal end ofthe barrel.
 7. The barrel mounting system of claim 6, wherein the barrelcollar includes slots or grooves to engage the pins or detents of thebarrel sleeve.
 8. The barrel mounting system of claim 1, wherein thebarrel sleeve further includes a slot to permit a gas tube, rod, orpiston to pass through the barrel sleeve.
 9. The barrel mounting systemof claim 8, wherein the slot allows the barrel sleeve to rotate whilethe gas tube remains in a fixed position.
 10. The barrel mounting systemof claim 8, wherein the mount receiver includes a hole to permit the gastube to pass through the mount receiver.
 11. The barrel mounting systemof claim 8, wherein the barrel collar includes a groove to permit a gastube to pass over the barrel collar.
 12. The barrel mounting system ofclaim 1, wherein the barrel sleeve further comprises exterior facingthreads disposed at a distal end of the barrel sleeve.
 13. The barrelmounting system of claim 12, wherein the exterior facing threads of thebarrel sleeve are to engage a handguard.
 14. The barrel mounting systemof claim 1, wherein the mount receiver includes a rail feature.
 15. Thebarrel mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mount receiver includesan alignment feature to align the mount receive with the firearm body.16. The barrel mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mount receiverincludes a physical stop to limit rotation of the barrel sleeve.
 17. Thebarrel mounting system of claim 1, wherein the barrel sleeve furtherincludes a locking mechanism to engage a locking feature of the mountreceiver to limit counter rotation of the barrel sleeve.
 18. The barrelmounting system of claim 17, wherein the barrel collar further includesa set screw to secure the barrel collar to the barrel.
 19. The barrelmounting system of claim 1, wherein the sets of sleeve threads include 2to 12 threads.
 20. The barrel mounting system of claim 1, wherein axialchannels to receive adjacent sets of sleeve threads are offset bydifferent angles.